6.02amFlares, drums, beach balls and a sea of green gold at Fed SquareBy Cara WatersFans who made it inside Fed Square in Melbourne are a hardy lot.They queued up from 2am to get in and are keeping the party vibes despite the persistent rain and US dominance on the score line.Fans at Fed Square, including a man in a costume that made it look as if he was on Donald Trump’s shoulders, watch the first half.Joe ArmaoThere’s been a few flares, an occasional beach ball bopped through the crowd and a lot of green and gold. Mel came dressed for the occasion with a Socceroos jersey and Donald Trump costume that gave the impression he was being piggybacked by Trump. He’s been coming to watch the soccer at Fed Square for 20 years and when asked who would win remained confident: “Aussies of course.”It is Madison Cambora’s first time getting up in the middle of the night to get to Fed Square. She says it’s been worth it to be a part of the atmosphere even though the US is leading. “I hope they come back from this,” she says. “I’m hoping all good things, but it’s not looking good.”Fans at Federation square to watch Australia take on the United States at Lumen Field in Seattle.Joe Armao5.59amDisappointing half from the SocceroosBy The Americans have been better in every department: physically, psychologically, technically. They are winning all the 50-50 battles and forcing Australia into constant mistakes. They look fantastic. It’s hard to see a road back for Tony Popovic’s side. They have to come out and attack in the second half but that will play right into the USA’s hands. At a minimum, Nestory Irankunda needs to start the second term to give them something to worry about. Right now, USA have nothing to worry about.5.57amHalf-time: USA 2-0 AustraliaBy USA in total control and finish the half with more excellent play as their players flood forward, outnumbered but thinking nothing of it. They move down the left and then cut inside and drift over to the right, all tricky feet and deception, before Dest draws a very good save from Beach. That’s it for the first half.USA 2-0 Australia, half-timeFans watch the game from The Golden Barley pub in Sydney.Audrey Richardson5.53amThat’s a real body blow for AustraliaBy There will be seven minutes off added time, due to the drinks break and the head-clash stoppage, and that will seem an eternity for the Socceroos, who no doubt would like to get off the pitch and into the rooms as soon as possible. The pressure on them throughout this half has been remarkable. The Americans are outplaying them, and the Australians on the pitch are visibly shaken.USA 2-0 Australia, 45+3 minutesThe US celebrate their second goal. AP Photo/Maddy Grassy5.50amGoal! Freeman doubles US leadBy It stems from a move on the right, with the Americans drawing Burgess out and then using the space behind him. Okon does well to hold up his man but ultimately fouled him and the US get a set play.Alex Freeman heads the ball for a goal past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach.AP Photo/Maddy GrassyThe delivery is sent back to Dest who, from outside the box, rifles it towards goal. It takes a deflection and Freeman heads it home. The offside flag goes up. Is Freeman offside? Not by the look of the replays. A US player is, but not Freeman.The VAR is checking. “After review, the player was NOT in an offside position,” the referee says.USA 2-0 Australia, 43 minutes5.45amOkon is on his feetBy His dad, Okon snr, is observing intently from Australia’s dugout as his son goes through the requisite medical checks to be able to continue playing. He is drinking water and appears lucid. More so than Freeman, who looks groggy. But he clears his checks, too, and play resumes as the clock ticks towards half-time.USA 1-0 Australia, 42 minutesFreeman and Okon jnr are alright.Getty Images5.43amOkon and Freeman in head clashBy Both have gone to ground and are being seen to by medics. It doesn’t look nice at all.United States’ Alex Freeman and Paul Okon-Engstler react after a collision.AP Photo/Maddy GrassySocceroo Italiano is being made to run, as the Americans continue to drag him out. Circati, too. Italiano is quick enough to keep up with Balogun on this occasion, but in the next move the forward gets away. Australia have 30 per cent possession so far. This statistic is rarely an exhaustive reflection of a contest, as we saw against Turkey, but it is more relevant here.Circati is using the stoppage to talk to Popovic.USA 1-0 Australia, 40 minutesOuch.AP Photo/Maddy Grassy5.42amFans react to Socceroos’ own goal at Fed SquareBy Fans at Federation Sqaure react.Joe ArmaoDevastating. Joe Armao5.38amCircati goes into the bookBy A little bit naughty, that was. It didn’t look like Circati meant to catch Tillman, but that scrape of boot over calf was enough for the referee to reach into his pocket for the second yellow card against the Socceroos. Popovic is cutting an agitated figure on the sideline, his charges just a half-beat off the pace.USA 1-0 Australia, 35 minutesCircati goes into the book.AP Photo/Ted S. Warren5.35amUS control the tempoBy Robinson utilises the left flank once again for the US with a darting dash. But he cannot follow up with a decent cross. But the movement from his teammates through the midfield, with McKennie and Adams controlling the tempo, is impressive. “USA! USA!” rings out around the stadium as their team drag out Italiano once again.USA 1-0 Australia, 30 minutes1 of 5